State ratifies gambling compact with Karuk Tribe

The California Legislature has ratified a gambling compact with the Karuk Tribe that approves a casino in Yreka, the tribe announced on Tuesday.

"Today our gaming project took one very large step closer to reality due to the positive energy and commitment from our Tribal team and our local partners in the business community and civic leaders in Yreka," Karuk Tribe Chairman Buster Attebery said in a press release issued by the tribe. "We are looking forward to a successful business venture that will provide multiple benefits for the entire community through job creation, increased local business revenue and an expansion of vital health and human services."

In December, Gov. Jerry Brown signed off on a casino with 1,500 slot machines. Sen. Lou Correa, D-Anaheim, carried the agreement in the Legislature as SB1224. It was approved by the state Senate on Aug. 14 by a vote of 28-4, and the state Assembly passed it Tuesday by a vote of 63-1, according to the release.

The compact says the tribe will pay the state 10 percent of the casino's net win. The money would be shared with other tribes that do not have significant gambling income.

According to the release, the Karuk Tribe will develop the project in two phases. Phase 1 consists of a 36,000 square-foot gaming facility with approximately 500 gaming machines, eight table games, a 100-seat restaurant, and on-site parking. Phase 2 will eventually add an 80-room hotel, additional parking, 20,000 additional square feet of gaming space, 300 gaming machines and eight table games.

The tribe's website says it plans to finish building the casino by fall 2015.